TMJ / TMD Diagnosis

Option 3 – Orthotic Therapy

The only true way to stop further damage occurring to your teeth is with Orthotic Therapy. This involves:

Step 1 - Assessment of your bite using objective testing methods:

• Surface Electromyography - measures muscle activity, in the face, head and neck.
• Joint Sonography - measures sounds from the jaw joints.
• Computerised Mandibular Scanning - tracks how your lower jaw moves.

All these tests are performed using very complex and sensitive equipment known as ‘K7’.

Step 2 - Relaxation of your muscles to discover your ideal bite
This allows your muscles to ‘forget’ how they move your jaw into your habitual, non-ideal bite. Relaxation of your muscles is achieved with ‘TENS’. TENS is a small machine that uses electrical impulses to stimulate nerves which in turn relax the muscles. During TENS it appears as though the muscles in your face, head and neck are twitching!

TENS treatment is painless, and usually lasts between 45 minutes and 90 minutes. Most people find the treatment extremely relaxing, and many fall asleep!

Step 3 - Recording your ideal bite
After TENS, and with the assistance of K7, impressions are taken of your teeth in their ideal bite. From these impressions, our laboratory is able to make a much more advanced splint, known as an orthotic.

Step 4 - Achieving your ideal bite with an orthotic
An orthotic is similar to a splint, and is worn both during the day and the night. It is usually fitted to the lower teeth, and can either be fixed in place or removable. It is shaped to look like your natural teeth. When in place, it achieves your ideal bite.

An orthotic will halt any further wear of your teeth. It will prevent progression of other bite-related concerns such as abfraction and cracks. Over time it can also minimize TMD symptoms. Some people find that their symptoms resolve instantly. Others find it may take weeks or months before their symptoms resolve. Every person responds differently to orthotic therapy; however the vast majority will experience an improvement in their TMD symptoms.

Once the orthotic has been fitted, you will require several adjustment appointments. At each of these appointments TENS is again used to relax your muscles, before your orthotic is adjusted.

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TMJ / TMD Symptoms Disclaimer: The information throughout this website is not intended to be taken as medical advice. For more information about TMD / TMJ Symptoms please contact your LVI trained neuromuscular dentist at Designer Dental Studio.